Karen Arlien

Karen Marie Arlien passed away on November 30, 2024, at Sanford Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was born on February 12, 1959, to Raymond Arlien and Delores (Johnson) Arlien, in Rugby, North Dakota. The oldest of four children, John and Donna would join her and her parents over the next few years. Her father passed away in 1969. Her mother remarried and Karen was adopted by LaVerne Harmel in 1970. Her sister LaRae joined the family in 1971, completing their family of six. Karen graduated high school in 1977 and went on to obtain her Librarian and Teaching Degree at Mayville State University. 

 Her teaching career began in Lemmon, South Dakota and she went on to teach in Herreid, SD, and Minot, North Dakota before settling her career and self in Edgeley, North Dakota. 

 ‘Ms. Arlien’ loved her students. She began in the classroom but spent most of her career as a school librarian. She would often tell stories about her life at school, from yearbook advisor to book fairs; however, always changing students’ names, we remember most stories involving “Betty” and “Barney”. It was always fun to be with her and meet a student, wherever we went, and hear “Ms. Arlien!” being called out.

 From her siblings, Karen was blessed with seven nieces and nephews whom she cared for and nurtured each year of their lives for the rest of her life. She pursued her role as ‘Auntie’ diligently and made a lasting impression on each of them. 

 Each year she would host trips to StoryBook Land in Aberdeen, SD where each niece and nephew would attend individually and with cousins - many times bringing with friends and students from Edgeley. 

 In addition to her love for StoryBook Land, she had a passion for music - especially Barry Manilow; attending numerous concerts over the years, even as late as August, this year, in St. Paul. As a “Fanilow”, she was an official member of the Barry Manilow International Fan Club, Manilow University. 

 Karen retired in 2019 and moved back to Rugby to be closer to her sisters and family.

 She will be missed most by those who loved and knew her best, including: siblings, John (Karen) Arlien, Baldwin; LaRae (Danny) Selvig, Rolette; nieces and nephews, Eric (Paige) Gunderson, Wahpeton; Jared (Amber) Arlien, Rugby, Ethan Arlien, Bismarck; Jessica Harmel, Fargo; Keenan (Michelle) Arlien, Willow City; and Jacob and Jacie Selvig, Rolette; great-nieces/nephews, Payton and Lenyx Gunderson; Kade, Blake, and Mika Arlien; and Massey Arlien. 

 She was preceded in death by her grandparents Melvin and Ruth Arlien; Alfred and Olena Johnson; her parents Raymond Arlien and Delores Harmel; stepfather LaVerne Harmel; her sister Donna Gunderson; and cousin Brenda Burns. 

 A private family service will be held. 

 The family wishes to thank the wonderful nurses and staff on Sanford’s fourth floor - your care, concern, and commitment to her comfort was immeasurable; and all the friends and family who kept Auntie in their prayers.

 Cards, condolences, and memorials may be sent to the Bismarck Funeral Home. The family plans on honoring Karen with a gift to StoryBook Land - to keep the magic alive.